Carrie Fisher has been selected as our We83™ Appreciate You - Perseverance Employee of the Year.
Carrie is a 1st Grade Teacher at Westdale, and she exemplifies our Staff Portrait attributes by demonstrating determination and persistence in the face of challenges while maintaining professionalism during difficult situations.
Carrie’s nominators described a colleague whose dedication has been unwavering throughout her many years in District 83. They shared that Carrie consistently puts the needs of her students first, no matter how complex or demanding the circumstances may be. Over the past two years, she has supported students with high needs, actively collaborating with colleagues and connecting students with MTSS resources to ensure they receive every support available. Even after the most challenging days, she returns with renewed focus and commitment.
Her nominators emphasized that her students benefit from her refusal to give up on them, her ability to remain patient and kind, and her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure they are understood, supported, and given opportunities to grow. Carrie’s resilience, positive approach, and steady professionalism make her an outstanding role model whose perseverance embodies the very best of our district.
Please join us in congratulating Carrie on the deserved recognition and honor of the Perseverance Employee of the Year!
We also recognize the following staff members who received honorable mention for the Perseverance attribute:
Juan Bernal - Network Technician @Admin Center
Katie Brown - Teacher - Kindergarten @Westdale
Kelley Combs - Teacher - Special Education @Scott
Marc Concialdi - Teacher - Music - Vocal @MMS
Marcela Cook - Teacher - Social Worker @Westdale
Danielle Cronk - Teacher - Instructional Coach @District-Wide
Helen Dukhan - Teacher - Media Specialist @Westdale
Tom Fanselow - Teacher - Physical Education @MMS
Carrie Fisher - Teacher - Grade 1 @Westdale
Dominique Garcia - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @Enger
Matt Gearke - Tech. Powerschool Specialist @Admin Center
Carol Golden - Teacher - Early Childhood @MECC
Jacqueline Gonzalez - Teacher - Kdg. Bilingual @Westdale
Susan Gonzalez - Teacher - Special Education @MMS
Max Gutierrez - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @Enger
Terri Hafertepe - Teacher - Art @MMS
Brittany Hobbs - Teacher - Art @Scott | Westdale
Sandy Klemm - Technology Help Desk Tech @Admin Center
Norma Landa - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @Enger
Deanna Laurie - Director of Student Services @Admin Center
Margaret Malkowski - Teacher - Special Education @Enger
Meredith Masello - Teacher - Grade 5 @Westdale
Katie McBride - Teacher - Special Education @MMS
Jennifer Miodynski - Teacher - Special Education @Scott
Sue Mitra - Teacher - Grade 4 @Roy
Laura Moore - Assistant Principal @MMS
Amanda Nach - Teacher - Technology Learning Coach/Spec @MMS
Abigail Ortiz Valles - Teacher - Bilingual @MMS
Jaime Petras - Supervisor TAS @LASEC
Kerry Pros - Teacher - Special Education @Scott
Leilani Rebolledo - Teacher - Special Education @Roy
Brenda Rodriguez - Director of Transportation & S @Admin Center
Marcy Rossi - Teacher - Instructional Coach @Enger
Kelly Schroeder - Teacher - Grade 1 @Westdale
Liliana Sevilla - Classroom Aide - Gen Ed @MECC
Jason Smith - Principal @Scott
Julia Swider - Teacher - PreK/EC Blended @MECC
Jennifer Vaughn - Teacher - Physical Education @Roy
Laura Wilkinson - Teacher - Special Education @Roy
Jojo Witherspoon - Teacher - Special Education @Scott
Lupe Yanez - Teacher - ESL @Roy